Questlove, the drummer of The Roots and a respected music historian, recently reflected on the legacy of Motown and why he considers it even more influential than The Beatles. Speaking about the 1960s, he acknowledged The Beatles’ dominance and cultural impact, crediting them for shaping the decade and redefining popular music. However, he argued that Motown’s contribution went beyond artistry—it created unity during a time of social and racial division in America.
As a music journalist looking back on the era, the author noted that The Beatles’ breakup at the end of the 1960s opened the door for the creative explosion of the 1970s. New artists and genres filled the void left by the Fab Four, leading to one of the most dynamic periods in modern music. Yet, Questlove believes that even before that, Motown had already laid the foundation for this transformation through its universal appeal and emotional depth.
Questlove highlighted that Motown’s music—driven by legends like Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, and Diana Ross—was more than just entertainment. It was “the glue that brought us all together,” bridging cultural divides and offering a shared soundtrack for both Black and white audiences during the turbulent civil rights era.
The journalist admitted that while he had long focused on The Beatles’ artistic evolution, he had overlooked the parallel influence of Motown, which shaped not only the sound but also the social consciousness of a generation. The soul, sincerity, and rhythm of Motown records inspired countless artists and opened the door for funk, R&B, and the socially aware music of the 1970s.
In Questlove’s view, The Beatles may have revolutionized pop and rock, but Motown humanized music itself—bringing people of all backgrounds together through shared emotion and groove. For him, Motown’s impact was not just musical but cultural, making it the true heartbeat of its era and a timeless symbol of connection.
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